Spravato® Treatment at McGill Counseling
A new option for adults living with treatment-resistant depression — now available through our nurse practitioners.
What Is Spravato®?
Spravato® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It can be used with or without an oral antidepressant, and is also approved for adults with major depressive disorder who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions. Each dose is self-administered as a nasal spray under direct supervision at a certified treatment center like McGill Counseling.
How It Could Help
Studies show a rapid and meaningful reduction in depression symptoms at 24 hours and at 4 weeks, whether used alongside an oral antidepressant or on its own. Continued treatment helped sustain those gains over time.
Who Is It For?
Spravato® is specifically indicated for adults who have not had adequate relief from at least two different antidepressants of sufficient dose and duration during their current depressive episode. This is what clinicians call treatment-resistant depression.
If you've tried multiple medications and still feel like your depression isn't improving, Spravato® may offer a different path forward. It is not a first-line treatment — it is designed for people whose depression has not responded to the standard approaches.
Safety and Side Effects
Like any medication, Spravato® comes with potential side effects. Most are temporary and tend to occur shortly after taking the dose, resolving within the same day. This is one of the reasons every session is monitored in-office.
The most commonly reported side effects include dissociation (a feeling of being disconnected from yourself or your surroundings), dizziness, nausea, sedation, a spinning sensation, and elevated blood pressure. Some patients also experience anxiety, fatigue, headache, or a brief feeling of intoxication.
What to Expect During Treatment
Spravato® is only available at certified healthcare settings enrolled in a program called REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy). McGill Counseling is a REMS-certified Spravato® treatment center.
Here's what a typical treatment session looks like:
You self-administer the nasal spray under the guidance of your provider. It takes just a few minutes.
You remain in our office for at least two hours after each dose so our clinical team can monitor you for any side effects such as sedation or changes in blood pressure.
You should not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day after your treatment session. Please arrange a ride home.
Treatment typically begins with sessions twice a week during the first four weeks. After that, your provider will work with you to determine the right ongoing schedule based on your response.
Important Things to Know
Spravato® is not approved for use in children or adolescents. It is not intended for pain management, and it is not a replacement for hospitalization when that level of care is needed.
Because of the required monitoring, every treatment session takes place in our office. You will need to plan for a two-hour visit, including the observation period, and arrange transportation home afterward.
Your provider will discuss your full medical history, current medications, and treatment goals with you before determining whether Spravato® is appropriate for your situation.
Is Spravato® Right for You?
Our nurse practitioners are here to answer your questions and help you understand whether Spravato® may be a good fit as part of your treatment plan. Contact our office to schedule an assessment and find out if you're eligible for Spravato® treatment.
Other Issues & Needs We Treat
Addiction
ADHD
Anger
Behavioral & Emotional Disorders
Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Eating Disorders
Existential Issues
Identity Issues
Grief
LGBTQQIP2SA
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
OCD
Perinatal Mental Health Issues
Personal Growth
PTSD
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Sexual Abuse
Substance Abuse
Suicidality
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Please reach out with any questions regarding additional issues we are trained to treat.